Rattan is a natural fiber which grows in the
tropical regions of Indonesia and China. The outer
skin of the long climbing vine is called cane. It
has a shiny surface, is extremely strong, and
creates a beautiful cane chair seat that will endure for
decades.

What is chair caning?

Chair caning is the fine art of hand-weaving a new chair seat, or back, using
strands of cane to create a traditional pattern. A chair to be hand-caned is
distinguished by the series of holes (frequently 80 holes) that run around the
edge of the seat and go right through to the underside of the chair.

Can I do it?

Yes, it is not hard, just very slow work, and requires a lot of patience.
Anyone can master the skill of caning, but it does not appeal to all.

Is my chair worth restoring?

People often ask this question. Only you can decide if the chair is worth
repairing, basing your decision on useful life, dollar value, sentimental value
and intended life to come. Antique chairs are, for the most part, worth
repairing. It is essential to reproduce the original workmanship to preserve the
inherent value. More modern chairs may be favorites that work well in your home
or have a sentimental value to your family. One can make a judgment based on
the price of repairs and the value of passing your heritage and heirlooms to
your descendants.

Prewoven Cane

Prewoven cane webbing (cane mesh) is used on seats with a groove around the edge. Cane
webbing is woven on power looms from natural strand cane in the Orient into
traditional and modern patterns. To determine the size cane webbing you will need,
measure the opening from groove to groove at the widest parts, front to back and
side to side. Add 2 inches to each of these dimensions to insure enough cane
webbing to
go into the groove and back out again. This extra length is needed for leverage
so that the cane webbing will be pulled tight across the seat. Cane webbing may also be
stapled onto frames which will be used decoratively. We do not recommend using
staples for chair seats or installations where pressure will be applied.

Rush Seats

HISTORY
Evidence of rush seating turns up throughout history. The Vikings almost
certainly used it, and in mediaeval Italy simple rush-seated ladderback chairs
were commonly used. Strangely, considering that the best rushes grow in England,
there's no direct evidence of rush-seating in Britain before the 17th century,
though it's quite likely it was used before this.

RUSH CHAIRS IN ART
During the middle ages in the Low Countries and Spain rush seats were used, as
can be seen in the painting by Nicolaes Verkuje (1673-1746) The Tea Party.

HOUSE INVENTORIES
Various house inventories included rush seats: 1708, Robert Hilliard of Writtle,
Essex had '5 chairs rush ones'; 1705, a blacksmith's house had 'an oval gateleg
table and 6 rush chairs to set around it'. Sheraton, the great furniture maker,
described 'small painted chairs with rush bottoms'.

THE ARTS AND CRAFTS MOVEMENT
After about 1720 rush seats became unfashionable as upholstery gained
prominence, but by the middle of the next century William Morris (1834-1896),
founder of the Arts & Crafts Movement helped repopularise them. At this time
there was a yearning amongst city folk for a more rustic way of life and rush
seats seemed to typify this daydream.